Vigan (Philippines) FAQs In 2024

What is Vigan known for?

Vigan is known for its beautifully preserved Spanish colonial and Asian architecture. Its historic town, known as the Vigan Historic District, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and famous for Calle Crisologo, a cobblestone street lined with heritage houses that are now home to various shops, cafes, and museums.

The best time to visit Vigan is during the dry season from November to April, when the weather is more suitable for exploring the city on foot. Additionally, you might want to plan your visit around festivals like the Vigan City Fiesta in January or the Longganisa Festival in May to experience the local culture.

Top attractions in Vigan include the Vigan Historic District, St. Paul's Metropolitan Cathedral, Bantay Bell Tower, the National Museum of the Philippines Ilocos Complex, Padre Burgos House, and Baluarte Resort and Mini Zoo. Don't miss the chance to ride a traditional horse-drawn carriage, known as 'calesa,' around the historic town.

Yes, there are beaches near Vigan. One of the closest ones is Mindoro Beach, which offers a more laid-back atmosphere. However, for more developed beach resorts with additional facilities, you might want to visit the beaches in the nearby province of Ilocos Norte.

When in Vigan, you should try local delicacies such as Vigan longganisa (a distinctively flavored local sausage), empanada (a deep-fried pastry filled with meat, vegetables, and egg), and bagnet (crispy fried pork belly). Other Ilocano dishes like pinakbet (mixed vegetables usually flavored with fish sauce) and dinengdeng (a vegetable and fish stew) are also popular.

The most common modes of transportation in Vigan are tricycles (motorized rickshaws), calesas (horse-drawn carriages), and jeepneys. These are readily available for getting around the city. For longer distances, buses and private cars are frequently used.

While Vigan does not have its own international airport, it is accessible to international tourists. The nearest major airport is the Laoag International Airport in Ilocos Norte, which is about a 2-hour drive from Vigan. Tourists can then take a bus, rent a car, or take a local shuttle service to reach Vigan City.

Calle Crisologo is the best place for tourists to shop for souvenirs in Vigan. Here you can find a variety of local products such as woven blankets, burnay jars (traditional Ilocano earthenware), woodcrafts, antiques, and delicacies. The public market is also a spot to look for locally made items and souvenirs.

Vigan offers a range of accommodations from budget-friendly inns to mid-range hotels and heritage houses that have been converted into boutique hotels. Many of these are situated within or near the Vigan Historic District, providing easy access to the main attractions.

Vigan hosts several cultural events and festivals throughout the year. The Vigan City Fiesta in January, the Viva Vigan Festival of the Arts in May, and the Longganisa Festival celebrating the city's famous sausage are some of the notable events that showcase the local heritage and culture.